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When dry ice (solid carbon dioxide, CO?) touches warm water, it creates a dramatic fog effect and rapidly “boils.” Here’s what happens:
1. Rapid Sublimation
Dry ice does not melt into a liquid. Instead, it sublimates — meaning it changes directly from a solid into carbon dioxide gas.
Warm water speeds this process up because it transfers heat to the dry ice very quickly.
2. Bubbling and “Boiling” Effect
The heat from the warm water causes the dry ice to turn into CO? gas rapidly.
This escaping gas creates vigorous bubbling, making it look like the water is boiling (even though it may not be).
3. Thick Fog Formation
The cold CO? gas cools the surrounding air.
This causes water vapor in the air to condense into tiny droplets, forming a thick, white fog.
The fog stays low to the ground because carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air.
Is It Dangerous?
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The fog itself is not poisonous, but high concentrations of CO? in a small, unventilated space can displace oxygen.
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Dry ice is extremely cold (about ?78.5°C / ?109°F) and can cause frostbite if touched directly.
Why Warm Water Works Best
Warm water increases the temperature difference between the water and the dry ice, which speeds up sublimation and produces more dramatic fog.
